I always walk, rain or shine, because I have a dog who is apparently rain-proof, and really, we are blessed with temperate weather here. But I am just getting back on the couch-to-5k-inspired routine of trying to mix in some jogging intervals some of the time. I actually have been doing other workouts at least 3 times a week for the past three years, which still kind of surprises me, as I was not really a workout person before. But now I am trying the running/jogging bit again because it just appeals to me, that idea of being ABLE to run. It’s almost like a superpower. I did most of the C25K program about 4 years ago? didn’t quite get to running the whole time, but made a lot of progress, and then was inspired to switch to a different fitness routine. I am much stronger and fitter overall now and I’m finding the cardio part of C25K MUCH easier this time around, but it is still hard getting my legs and feet used to it.
Get a dog and you have a good reason to walk in all weather!
I have walked or run daily for over a year - 400+ days. I would feel pretty comfortable saying I walk or run at least 3 miles a day, daily. More walking than running. I also do other activities but for the past year to meet my Apple watch red ring I am on foot a lot!
Usually 1-2 walks with the dog a day and then sometimes on my own. He’s a frisky walker and even with his part-beagle sniffing we average about an 18 minute mile. Obviously though I’m faster without him!
I credit my 94 year old father’s good health to the high energy chocolate lab that required long walks every night when he was in his 60s. After the dog was gone, he continued his walking habit. Until last month he was walking about 2x per week year round in NY state. In younger years he also did a lot of skiing, tennis and wind surfing. But walking was something he could continue in later years.
I’ve started an even more gradual training plan than Couch 2 5K snd it’s going well. I go to personal training M W F and run/walk on T Th S.
I’m down 35 pounds as of today - it’s taken me about 14 months. I’m really working hard to be careful and lose fat rather than muscle. My trainer is having me eat a lot of protein.
22 pounds to go to get to the weight my previous doctor told me he thought I should be. Only 3 more pounds to get to a BMI of 25. And yes, I know it’s not a perfect marker but it’s still a goal for me to reach.
Most importantly, I feel younger and much better!
Unless you get a dog like mine, who wants to stop and sniff EVERYTHING. 
@MaineLonghorn Keep grinding! 
Glad to see this thread active! Go C25k runners!
Ran 3 miles Sunday with my young running neighbor. Last time I ran it I got dizzy and almost passed out - this time made sure to pre-hydrate with water/Liquid IV (electrolyte powder) and have a smoothie an hour before and drank a lot afterwards - big difference!
Looking for a local 5k in December…! 
Good for you @Jolynne_Smyth !!! Are you in a more mild climate?
Thanks, abasket! Not really a mild climate! I’ve done a few turkey trots but we’ll be away this thanksgiving - so thinking of one of those local 5ks in Dec. that serve hot cocoa afterwards!
If you don’t find a 5k race, maybe you and your running friend will need to arrange an informal 5k / hot chocolate date.
Great idea!
I am hopeful we can find a race - this website has been helpful (know it’s been mentioned before)… https://www.runningintheusa.com/
That is a good website, but I also google “(local area) running clubs” They often have a website and links to all of the local races. If you are lucky, they will also have race results from previous years. This will give you a good idea of how big and competitive they are. Races, even 5Ks, can vary widely. Even in my non competitive town, most races only have 50-100 people in them but there are two that draw 1000. good luck!
In addition to local running clubs, you can check the websites of local running stores to find races.
A lot of the races that I do make you register via this website. And has listings of other races as well.
We have a popular 5k Turkey Trot at the big park (register, pay in advance). We also have a neighborhood one in the park I walk my dog in, to benefit the local grade school. It’s $10 (requested donation) and you pay cash as you walk up. Babies and dogs welcome.
So look for the little ones too. I hope ours is just as fun as the big one. But no tshirt.
I’m a big fan of holiday themed 5K’s (Turkey Trots, Jingle Bell/Santa Runs, New Year’s Day. etc.) as they are great for all levels of runners and walkers. While some competitive runners show up, there are lots of families and friend groups and lots of folks run/walk or walk the entire race. And they are festive and fun!
I hope some of you had a chance to walk and/or run in a Turkey Trot.
Now that it is holiday cookie season, it’s even more important to “keep moving”? What methods do you like when trying to increase step count?
Sometimes I can talk myself into a wrong-way walk to pick up the mail. Instead of turning south and walking 100 feet to the group mailboxes, I turn north and then traverse the neighborhhod streets and cul-de-sacs. Depending on the route, it turns the mail task into a 10 to 20 minute walk. In the winter I like to have a podcast, but in the summer usually the view of various flower gardens keeps me amused. We do have sidewalks, but I wish they were flat and not slightly slanted toward the street for drainage.
On my non-power walk days, I often find an errand to run that involves a walk. The grocery store and package mailing store are about a half-mile away; downtown is a little over a mile. Today I walked into town to pick up a book order that was waiting for me, giving me a nice one-hour jaunt of about 2.5 miles.
So many options to add in walk/step time:
Cutting the grass
Parking far out in a parking lot
Take the dog on an extra walk
1 mile walk at lunchtime at work - inside or out!
Run/walk up flight of stairs at home - basement to first floor to second floor - back and forth 10 times!
Best of all, I downloaded the Walk At Home app on our Roku TV. Also available on YouTube. Choose your poison - 1,2,3,4 mile walk choices in the comfort of your own home. I do a 30 minute one a few times a week before work (now that it’s dark at 6am!) and that gets me 2 miles of steps/activity on my Apple Watch. You can do it more leisurely or push it harder and I promise I SWEAT! Leslie Santone is the creator of the series.
Amazon is selling its new fitness tracker for $50, down from $80.
That is quite a markdown. For step count I’ve used different methods …… old style fitbit, pocket pedometer and cellphone app (Health on iphone). What features do you like on that Amazon fitness tracker?